The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has announced the opening of applications for the Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) Program. The Murphy Administration has dedicated $20 million in the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget to support this initiative, which is now in its fifth year. The program aims to enhance and repair public recreation facilities such as local parks, municipal recreation centers, and stadiums.
"This grant program has become a mainstay during the Murphy Administration because we recognize how important public recreation spaces are to people’s physical and mental health. Having quality walking paths, playground equipment, basketball courts, and other recreational resources does so much to strengthen a community’s well-being," said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. "By helping towns update and create new recreational facilities, DCA is investing in community assets that mean so much to residents of all ages and backgrounds."
Funds from the LRIG will be awarded to successful applicants among counties, municipalities, and school districts across New Jersey. These funds can be used for various purposes including updating community centers, playgrounds, pools, fields; developing trails; covering personnel costs directly related to improvements; project development professional services costs; equipment expenses; and environmental remediation required for preparing sites.
Applications are accepted through the DCA SAGE Portal until 5 p.m. on January 31, 2025. Detailed information about application guidelines can be found on the DCA website.
DLGS advocates for local government interests by providing technical and financial assistance in several areas such as budgeting and financial reporting while ensuring financial integrity within local government units.
The DCA offers a variety of programs spanning affordable housing production, fire safety measures, building safety protocols along with disaster recovery efforts among others.
